Sunday, November 13, 2005

TV review - "West Wing" - Season 6 ****

Season 5 didn’t end with much of a season cliff hanger but Season 6 has a terrific subject – the Democratic Primaries. Since Barlett can’t run for that, this means inevitably the show operates on a split level, half involved in the primaries, half back at the white house. The White House stuff is always interesting, with Bartlett really struggling with his MS and Leo deservedly getting a heart attack and having to resign (his hawkishness was getting really annoying). CJ becomes chief of staff and does really well. Kate Harper is quite likeable this season – there is a new child woman, Annabelle, who is irritating. Charlie is no longer a personal assistant, so sort of becomes CJ’s assistant, but doesn’t really have anything to do on the show.

Josh doesn’t follow through with Donna so as far as I am concerned he doesn’t deserve her any more – Donna joins the Bob Russell campaign and does well. Josh does get points though for being idealistic and encouraging Santos to run. This is all good stuff, Jimmy Smits is solid – the general theme of the season seems to be “the seduction of Jimmy Smits – will he sell out?” He is a Hollywood liberal wet dream candidate for a Democrat, incidentally: Hispanic, Texan, military record, idealistic. But he’s up against a Republican (Alan Alda) who is also Hollywood liberal wet dream: agnostic, principled, non redneck, etc.

I have to say I really enjoyed the two dud Democrat candidates: Bob Russell (Gary Cole), who isn’t a bad guy, tries to do the right thing, isn’t evil – but it just so mediocre and flat; and Hoynes (Tim Matheson), the person who had it all, money, looks, charm, who should have been president already, but who stuffed it: and he knows it. I love 'em both - provided they don't end up running for president.

Directorially, they've cut loose this season, too , with lots of odd photography and devices like split screens.

My fave eps from this season: the visit to China, the climax at the convention. Worst one: Kate with a false wig in Cuba.

1 comment:

Business Builders said...

What about the NEW season and the debate and the campaign.. what do you think?